T.E. Ibberson Company (Ibberson) was given the challenge of totally replacing or relocating the packaging system and empty-can conveying system at this facility without interrupting around-the-clock production. In addition to the rigors of working in an operating plant, the construction team was required to maintain an exemplary level of safety and sanitation.

The Iams Company (Iams) and Ibberson worked together to bring plant and job site safety to a new level during this project, in order for the Iams plant to become recommended for OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program status. Only a few select facilities have attained this exemplary level of safety. The Iams Company employees and Ibberson crews were trained on all aspects of plant safety and were required to be extremely vigilant during construction activities.

Because plant sanitation is critical to Iams, it participates in a stringent food plant sanitation audit program developed by the American Institute of Baking. The AIB provides Iams management with an indicator of how well their facility is complying with local regulations as well as to Iams’ established internal standards. The willingness of Iams employees, in conjunction with on-site construction personnel to extend themselves past the requirements of their construction activities was instrumental in Iams receiving an AIB sanitation rating of Excellent.

The success of this project was punctuated by Iams attaining an all-time high efficiency rating and accomplishing the mutual goal of minimizing the impact of construction activities on the project.

Iams, makers of Eukanba and Iams dog and cat foods, is a world leader in premium petfood. The Iams facility in North Sioux City has the capacity to produce thousands of cans of Iams dog and cat food daily.